Nitrate 0?

[asianpuffer]

im using the eheim 2075. pad, mech bio balls and the media from my old AC70.

[J-P]

strange ...

maybe you found the perfect filter

[asianpuffer]

ha i wish. Im just lost now. I keep getting 0's on the puffer tanks each day when the snail tanks keep getting 5-15 readings. Today is water change day. Should I still change 50% of the water? they are all eating and pooping...but still no nitrate reading.

[Flutter]

Yes, always change the water, even if your nitrates are at 0. ALWAYS. You change you're water if they're too high but you never stop changing when they're low.

[J-P]

I agree with Flutter but 50% seems a little heavy no?

[jdak]

That could be a reason. How often do these 50% water changes happen?

[J-P]

He said weekly earlier.

[Flutter]

I wouldn't change the water changes at all. It's not like the water can be too clean or healthy.

[J-P]

You also have to consider the cost of the dechlor if on city water and or other additives. Cutting back a fraction could save $100 in the long term and still remain within very acceptable ranges.

[asianpuffer]

i not too worried about the cost of the dechlor. i have been doing 50% WC weekly. tested again before the wc and read all 0's.

[jdak]

You are turning the water volume almost twice a month? I can guarantee this is why you have 0 nitrates. Not saying it is healthy or not but this probably doesn't allow your cycle to even start. I'd be watching more for ammonia than nitrates.

[asianpuffer]

You are turning the water volume almost twice a month? I can guarantee this is why you have 0 nitrates. Not saying it is healthy or not but this probably doesn't allow your cycle to even start. I'd be watching more for ammonia than nitrates.

My tank was cycled for several months and i have been doing 50% wc since then. I just recently switched over to a cannister filter but put my old media inside. Everyday that I am testing I am getting 0 readings but before switching over to the cannister i was getting around 15 for nitrate. Ialways thought that the 50% wc was the general rule...

[Troender]

Ialways thought that the 50% wc was the general rule...

It is.

Are you sure there was no green sponges in the new filter?

[jdak]

50% a week... i was unaware.

[asianpuffer]

Ialways thought that the 50% wc was the general rule...

It is.

Are you sure there was no green sponges in the new filter?

The eheim came with a green course sponge which is the first area the water goes through. Dont think that is what is cause the 0 nitrate reading.